The Coalition of Former Nigerian Lawmakers (CoFoNiL) has thrown its weight behind the protest by over 1,000 lawyers to the National Assembly, calling for a federal takeover of legislative functions in Benue and Zamfara States over alleged constitutional violations and breakdown of legislative order.
Describing the action as a “patriotic move to save democracy,” the Coalition said the lawyers had acted within their rights and in the best interest of the nation’s constitutional integrity.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Rt. Hon. Dapo Olowolagba, the group lauded the protesters as “heroes of democracy” who have demonstrated true patriotism by standing up for the rule of law and the stability of the Nigerian federation.
“Their call aligns perfectly with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the National Assembly to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of a state where the House of Assembly is unable to perform its functions,” Olowolagba stated.
He recalled a similar intervention during the 3rd Assembly when the National Assembly summoned the then Governor of Benue State and restored order through dialogue and legislative action.
According to the Coalition, the crises in Benue and Zamfara marked by the unconstitutional suspension of lawmakers and deepening executive interference are clear grounds for legislative intervention to prevent a possible state of emergency.
“The situation is dire. In Zamfara, the Governor has run the state for over a year without a fully constituted Assembly, suspending lawmakers who raised concerns over insecurity. In Benue, 13 lawmakers were suspended for refusing to carry out the Governor’s directive against the Chief Judge. These are grave breaches,” he added.
The Coalition stressed that a functioning legislature is critical to democratic governance, citing recent Supreme Court rulings that nullified illegal legislative actions, as witnessed in Rivers State.
It urged the National Assembly to heed the call of the protesting lawyers under the Save Benue and Zamfara Coalition and invoke its constitutional powers to restore order in both states.
